‘As you can see, Miss Cranmore is currently engaged with other guests,’ Hoddleston said.
‘She’s already talked with you. It’s my turn,’ Dellamont said, offering Marcella his arm. ‘Shall you show me the garden as promised?’
‘I’d never wish to default on a promise. Just let me go and find Mary. It’s always so refreshing to take the air,’ she added, with a deliberate look at Hoddleston.
‘Why is she leaving with him?’ she heard Lord Charles complain to the Baron as she walked out on Dellamont’s arm.
‘That was a fine bit of kidnapping,’ she said after he closed the drawing room door behind them.
‘Do you object?’
‘Object to escaping that company? Not in the slightest! Do you really wish to see the garden?’
‘Not especially. But I don’t want to remain in the room with that young twit and the reprobate. Nor can we discuss the working of our bargain under the avid eyes of Lady Arlsley and her friends.’
So he meant to honour their bargain, too. The Season that had been forced on her might just become tolerable after all. ‘Let me fetch Mary and get my pelisse, then.’
* * *
A few minutes later, Marcella hurried back, her maid trailing behind. After introductions, Mary bobbing a curtsy to Dellamont’s nod, the threesome walked out the side door to the garden.
‘You must come with us, but you needn’t linger too close,’ Marcella told the older woman as she held the door open for them.
‘Never you mind, Miss Marcella,’ the maid, who’d looked after her since she’d been a child, replied with a fond glance. ‘You walk with your fine lord. I’ll be near enough to call on if you should need me.’
‘Don’t worry, Mary,’ Dellamont said. ‘I won’t attempt to ravish your charge on a garden bench—no matter how tempting she might be.’
‘Just see you don’t,’ the maid replied tartly. ‘I’d not be loath to give you a blow to the chops if you tried to take liberties, not even with you being a viscount and all.’
Dellamont laughed. ‘I’ll keep that in mind! You’ve a fine protector in Mary, Miss Cranmore. I’m relieved to know you will have someone nearby to keep your admirers in line.’
‘Some need it more than others,’ Marcella muttered, frowning as she thought of Lord Hoddleston. But she’d not waste this time with Dellamont fretting about the Baron.
‘You’ve done your work well, my lord,’ she said instead. ‘By calling while Lady Arlsley’s friends were visiting, the news will be all over London by suppertime that Viscount Dellamont is paying particular attention to Miss Cranmore.’ She laughed. ‘If I’m very lucky, knowing that an earl’s son came calling will be discouraging enough to the competitors that I’ll be spared further visits by Lord Hoddleston and Lord Charles.’
‘Don’t be too hard on them—at least, not on Lord Charles. He’s the youngest son of a large family with no money of his own, so won’t inherit either wealth or title. If he doesn’t marry a well-dowered lady, he’ll be reduced to spending his life as a hanger-on, dependent on the indulgence of his family. You are correct to lament the few options a female has beyond marriage, but opportunities for gentlemen to make their fortunes are limited as well.’ He laughed. ‘Poor Lord Charles doesn’t strike me as having wit enough to succeed as a clergyman nor the boldness to prosper in the army.’
‘Whereas you, my lord, have it all. Both the wit and boldness to invest in your own future, as well as land and title awaiting you. How I wish I had as many options!’
‘Do you have any other options, save marriage?’
Marcella sighed. ‘My family wouldn’t hear of me working. I’ve been able thus far to assist Papa with his engineering work solely because he’s indulged my interest. As a girl I’d actually hoped I might one day work in the business openly...but I realise now that could never happen. Too many men—and women—still believe that a female isn’t capable of logical reasoning. I have considered becoming a teacher. But most schools that admit females have no interest in instructing their pupils in mathematics and the natural sciences. So I probably shall end up marrying, hopefully to someone who will allow me, if not to work outright, at least to remain around the world of engineering.’
‘Someone like Mr Gilling?’
She felt herself flush. ‘Was my interest so obvious?’
Dellamont smiled. ‘You certainly gifted him with very engaging smiles. Would your engineer allow you to work with him, as your father does?’
‘I’d hope to persuade him, but I don’t really know. I’m guessing he thinks Papa allows me to do simple things around the office like record measurements because he enjoys having me near. I doubt Austin believes that I make any real contribution to figuring the calculations. But I’m not going to worry about that yet. Papa is still in his prime. I don’t envision him handing over the business for years yet. I hope to delay marriage for as long as I can, in case my eventual husband frowns on my working with Papa and insists on restricting me to the usual female realm.’
‘Do you have no interest in that at all? Children, running a household?’
‘Not very much,’ she admitted. ‘I don’t think I’d make a very good mother. I try to avoid the activities one is supposed to teach a daughter—needlework, the minutiae of housekeeping and managing servants.’
‘You’ll need to entice your engineer, then.’
‘It won’t be easy,’ she confessed. ‘Gilling has worked for my father since I was a little girl and has always been so kind, thoughtful and supportive, especially after my brother died. But I fear he stills sees me just as his employer’s little girl. Not a woman grown.’
‘He should open his eyes. They must be firmly shut, else I can’t image how he could miss what a talented, engaging beauty that little girl has become.’
‘Is...that how you see me?’ she asked, not knowing him well enough to decide whether his words were sincere or gallantry.
He nodded. ‘I’m not a flatterer, Miss Cranmore. Except to spare someone’s feelings, I speak the truth as I see it.’
He truly thought her talented and beautiful? Absurdly gratified, she said, ‘Then thank you kindly for the compliment.’
‘Which is only returning the favour. How was it you described me? Possessed of “wit and boldness”? I should hope to merit that praise.’
‘For someone of your background, who had no need to interest himself in anything outside his class and property, to take the time to investigate new technologies, then have the intelligence to evaluate and invest wisely in them, I think you merit both descriptions.’
He bowed. ‘Then I must thank you kindly for the compliment.’
She’d like to talk with him for ever. It was so...liberating to be completely honest about what she felt and wanted, something she couldn’t really do even with Papa. She loved her family dearly and knew they loved her, but they all wanted for her something she feared would never make her happy. While she yearned for something they would tell her could never be attained.
She might be doomed to unhappiness. But she wasn’t yet ready to give up on her dreams.
‘You an investor and me a mathematician—it seems we are both...out of the ordinary for our positions in society,’ she said.
‘Extraordinary, isn’t it?’ he murmured, looking down at her.
The intensity of his gaze held hers, making her catch her breath. Yes, he was extraordinary, compelling, mesmerising. Drawn by the power of his attraction, she felt herself drifting closer, lifting her face to his as he lowered his to her.
Then abruptly, he stepped away.
She’d been so entranced, she had to blink at that sudden return to reality. Shocked at how close she’d come to inviting his kiss, needing to compose herself, she said, ‘I’d better walk you down all the pathways. I want to be able to honestly say I’ve shown you the garden. Besides
, the spring bulbs truly are lovely.’
‘Yes, I need to be able to comment on them to Lady Arlsley.’
‘I do know quite a bit about plants—perhaps the one aspect of housewifery that does interest me. My father was so low after my brother’s death, I worked with my mother to brew teas and tisanes to try to raise his spirits. I’ve discovered the herb garden here is exceptional.’
For the next few minutes, she walked him down that section of the border, pointing out the lemon balm, mint, and chamomile with its border of lavender.
After she’d finished giving her tour, Dellamont said, ‘We’ve spent half an hour in the garden, which is about all the time your maid is going to allow us. Before I escort you back, we need to decide how we’ll implement our plan.’
‘I don’t want to impose too much on your time. Perhaps I could send you word of one or two entertainments each week that we’re to attend.’
Dellamont shook his head. ‘Once or twice a week probably wouldn’t be enough to satisfy my father. Better make it three or four events a week.’
‘If it truly wouldn’t be an imposition—that would be wonderful! My guess is that Lady Arlsley intends to drag me to every entertainment to which she can wangle us invitations, hoping to have me snag an offer as soon as possible and so as to rid herself of the burden of sponsoring me. Knowing that you will be at most of them will make getting through the month I’ve promised to endure much easier.’
‘Balls, routs or musicales would be best,’ Dellamont said. ‘There will be dancing or performances to help pass the time before we can escape. Then there will be calls and rides in the park between the entertainments.’
‘With only my maid looking on, instead of being the focus of the interested gazes of half the ton? That would be refreshing!’
‘Precisely. You must send me notice once you know which invitations Lady Arlsley has accepted. I’ll arrange to stop by most of them.’
‘I’ll talk to her tonight. We’re dining with some of her friends, a previous engagement she wasn’t able to put off. I’ll try to let you know tomorrow what she has planned for the rest of the week.’
‘Excellent. By banding together, we shall both run the social gauntlet and come out unscathed.’
Would she emerge unscathed? Marcella wondered. If Dellamont continued to be as attractive and interesting as he’d been thus far, it would be far too easy to fall more deeply under his spell.
But she need only remind herself what remaining in his world would entail—mingling with Lady Arlsley and her condescending friends, the witless Lord Charles...and Lord Hoddleston. That prospect should be enough to discourage any ill-judged attachment.
Mary’s ‘harrumph’ interrupted her thoughts. ‘Best be getting back, Miss Marcella, before Her Fancy Ladyship sends out a search party.’
‘She would hardly do that,’ Marcella countered. ‘If I were to stay out long enough to be considered compromised, she could insist on an engagement and be rid of me all the sooner. But I’d not do that to you, Dellamont, I promise.’
‘I’d appreciate it,’ he said drily. ‘Though I am indebted to you already. The Earl sought me out at breakfast this morning. He must have had news of last night’s ball from some of his cronies, for he actually congratulated me on making a promising start. I honestly can’t remember him ever complimenting me before.’
Touched with sadness at that avowal, she countered, ‘About time, then. Although his approval now is likely to make his anger when you don’t claim my hand rather greater.’
Dellamont shrugged. ‘I’ll deal with that when it happens. But Mary is right; we should go in. I’ve already outstayed the requisite quarter-hour.’
‘I only hope Lord Charles and Lord Hoddleston have already departed, too.’
‘I doubt Lady Arlsley would encourage them to linger. Not if it seems you have a future earl dangling after you.’
‘Would that having you “dangle” might dissuade them from seeking me out at all future events!’ Marcella said with some heat.
Once they’d reached the door back to the house, Dellamont paused. ‘I will escort you to the drawing room, pay my respects to Lady Arlsley and take my leave.’
Marcella nodded. ‘Here’s to our bargain, then. Long may it continue.’
‘Well, for a month or so, at any rate. You’ll let me know about the next entertainment?’
‘Yes. I’ll try to send a note. Where should I address it?’
‘Fortunately, I have my own quarters, so I’m not living under my father’s thumb.’ After giving her the address, he bowed. ‘I think I’m going to enjoy this bargain. At least until the Earl discovers it and the retribution begins.’
‘I hope the punishment won’t be too severe,’ Marcella said with a smile. ‘Because I think I shall enjoy it, too.’
She just needed to be careful not to enjoy it too much.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Early the following morning, Crispin rode through the gates of Hyde Park, his younger sister, Lady Margaret, riding beside him. After calling on Miss Cranmore the day before, he’d paid a visit to his mother. As he was going out, he’d encountered his sibling, who confessed she’d been lying in wait for him so she might beg him to take her riding.
Though she loved being in London, she was finding it tiresome not being able to attend any events beyond afternoon calls and teas with their mother, she’d told him. Since their mother didn’t ride and their groom frowned on any pace faster than a trot, she pleaded with him to offer her the treat of a real gallop.
Though Crispin had had little to do with his older sister, who in looks and temperament was too much like his father, Maggie had always been a merry, engaging child whose occasional company he enjoyed. She hadn’t even balked at being ready at the unfashionably early hour he’d insisted was necessary if she wished to arrive before the park became too crowded for a proper gallop.
They rode along, Crispin required to do nothing more taxing than trot beside her, listening while she chattered to him about her impressions of London, the wonder of the shops and buildings, and the society ladies, the only common factor in her ramblings her frankness and complete lack of awe or deference for the leaders of fashionable world—or indeed, for her own father. Smiling as she made a particularly biting comment about the Earl, Crispin thought ruefully that it was as well for their mother’s peace of mind that his little sister was seldom summoned into her sire’s presence.
They’d just turned down the first pathway, approaching the long section suitable for galloping, when Crispin spotted a female on side-saddle cantering towards them. A female who looked very much like Miss Cranmore.
Within a few moments, she was near enough for Crispin to confirm that it was indeed Miss Cranmore, a groom trailing behind her. Though her eyes brightened and she smiled in recognition, she didn’t bring her mount to a halt, merely gave him a slight nod, as one might to acknowledge stranger.
Allowing him, he realised, to ride by without greeting her, if he chose.
Knowing that though his father might wish him to marry an heiress, he’d object to having the daughter he had to marry off next year be seen to associate with the granddaughter of a coal miner, the wisest course would have been to do exactly that. But the fact that she’d been perceptive and courteous enough to allow him that option—with a smile that seemed to say she didn’t even resent the ridiculousness of that double standard—made him decide not to take advantage of her discretion.
Bringing his mount to a halt, he called ‘Miss Cranmore! How nice to see you.’
Her smile brightening, she reined in as well. ‘And you, my lord. A lovely morning, isn’t it? But don’t let me delay or interrupt your ride with the lady.’
Was there a touch of jealousy in her tone? Secretly gratified by the thought, said, ‘You may be easy, Miss Cranmore. This is no lady. May I present my sister, Lady Ma
rgaret d’Aubignon?’
‘I am a lady—if only by title,’ his sister objected. ‘Delighted to meet you, Miss Cranmore.’
‘And I you, Lady Margaret.’
Suddenly his sister’s eyes widened. ‘Miss Cranmore? I have heard a lot about you!’
Despite Crispin’s embarrassed hiss at his sister to keep quiet, Miss Cranmore smiled. ‘I suppose you have.’
‘But you’re lovely!’
Though Crispin groaned at the comment, the Heiress laughed outright. ‘What were you expecting? A perfume of smoke hanging about me, a homespun gown and bits of cotton thread tangled in my hair? Or a costly, over-trimmed riding habit, my neck and arms festooned with jewels?’
‘I don’t know quite what I expected. I’ve never met a girl from the merchant class before.’
‘Enough, Maggie,’ Crispin said, feeling his face flush, and wishing he’d reminded himself before impulsively making the introductions just how frank his irrepressible sibling could be. ‘You must excuse my sister, Miss Cranmore. She may be styled “Lady Margaret” but as you can see, her manners need substantial work.’
‘I’m just being honest,’ his sister protested. ‘As you would surely have me be, wouldn’t you, Miss Cranmore? Since it seems one can never be frank in society, and you must spend all your time there, I should think you would appreciate it.’
While Crispin silently berated himself for allowing the meeting, Miss Cranmore said, ‘I do appreciate candour. And you are right, I am forced to spend much time in society, where honesty is in very short supply. Which is why I escape for a morning ride.’
‘Well, I’m not “out” yet—not until next Season, but I’m enjoying a ride as well. I’m not allowed to go anywhere, you see, except to accompany Mama to teas and calls on horrid old dragons who assess me like some sort of merchandise at market. It’s so annoying! All the while, I must keep my eyes modestly downcast and my opinions to myself, so that they will bestow their approval and promise to issue invitations to all the important parties next year. It’s a wonder I’ve not burst from the strain.’
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